Dog Grooming Costs: Average Pricing for Common Services

The cost of grooming expenses is among the top concerns for a majority of dog-owning households, according to the Synchrony Pet Lifetime of Care study.¹ Knowing what to expect when it comes to professional dog groomer fees can help you budget and prepare for both necessary grooming expenses and those extra touches that make your pooch feel pampered. 

Let’s take a look at how pet parents can get their dogs runway-ready (or even just smelling better!) and what to consider when choosing a dog groomer.

Benefits of Grooming Your Dog

All dogs need some grooming, but how much depends on their breed and coat type. Some dog coats need very little maintenance and only occasional baths, while others need frequent attention.² But all dogs need the following grooming care in order to stay healthy:²

• Coat and skin care
• Ear cleaning
• Nail trimming
• Tooth brushing

While many pet parents opt to groom their pooches at home, busy or inexperienced dog owners — or those whose pups have high-maintenance skin or coats — may find it preferable to leave these tasks to the professionals. Whether you go the DIY route or hire a pro, regular dog grooming will help alert you to potential health issues such as ear infections, skin issues and dental diseases.²

What Services Are Offered at a Dog Groomer?

While dog groomers offer the basics mentioned above, they can also go above and beyond, offering additional services that can really make your pooch feel pampered. Some of these grooming services might include:³

• Baths. Beyond just regular cleaning, dog grooming add-ons may include treatments for dogs with sensitive skin or options that provide deep conditioning or help repair fur.
• Brush-outs. Groomers have all the tools, including the specific brush your dog’s coat may require. Using the correct brush will help remove dirt and damaged hair, distributing the dog’s natural oils and preventing painful and unsightly matting.⁴
• Dematting. Some groomers charge additional fees for dematting services.
• Expressing anal glands. Noticing your pup scooting across the carpet or excessively licking down there? Some dog breeds need to have their anal glands expressed, which is a task many dog owners prefer to leave to the pros. Ask the groomer if they offer it as part of the basic dog grooming services or if it costs more.⁵
• Flea or tick treatments. Some groomers offer flea and/or tick packages.⁶ Ask the groomer if they’ve noticed any flea bites on your dog.
• Fur dyeing. While dyeing your dog’s hair may be controversial, dog-safe fur dye can be a fun way to occasionally spiff up your pet for special occasions.
• Nail trim, grinding or paw pedicures. Talk to the groomer about trimming your dog’s nails. It may or may not be included in a basic dog grooming package. Some groomers will offer to grind a dog’s nails for the same price or as an add-on.
• Shedding treatments. Got a furry friend with loads of fur? Some dog grooming facilities offer anti-shedding treatments that aim to remove a dog’s undercoat and reduce seasonal shedding.⁷
• Specialty haircuts. Dog owners looking for something more than a traditional trim can request a specialty hairstyle for their pooch, such as a teddy bear trim, a top knot or even a mohawk!⁸
• Teeth brushing. Some dog grooming costs include teeth brushing as part of a full-service package, while others charge more for this.

Average Costs for Professional Dog Grooming

Grooming costs can vary widely depending on the amount of grooming and the types of services you ask for, as well as on your location and where you take your dog to be groomed.

Below are base prices for common dog grooming services you might find at a popular nationwide retail store with on-site grooming facilities. Some of these services can be packaged together along with other extras in order to save on overall costs.⁶

Tips When Choosing a Dog Groomer

Before booking your dog’s appointment, do your research and check out reviews of dog grooming services in your area. It’s also a good idea to ask for referrals. Talk to the customer service representative at the company and inquire about everything that’s included with a “basic bath” or a “full-service package.” Every company offers something different at various dog grooming cost price points.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Grooming

Do you still have questions about dog grooming? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about costs for these services.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog’s vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.* Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist who has been writing pet content since 2013. Her work has appeared on Forbes.com, Hill’s Pet, Chewy, AKC.org and more.